Sevier County parole officer fired after arrest

KNOXVILLE — State officials have fired a probation/parole officer who was arrested after he allegedly stole from offenders he was supervising.

Joshua Keith DeBord was fired by the Tennessee Department of Correction after an investigation revealed he allegedly misused funds paid by offenders under his supervision in the Knoxville area, according to a department news release.

Officials said that offenders thought they were paying court-ordered fines and fees, but DeBord allegedly kept the money for his personal use.

DeBord, who was assigned to the Sevierville office, was arrested Jan. 16 and charged with theft over $500.